Is Nirvana Xylitol™ suitable for people who need to monitor and manage blood sugar levels?

Yes. Xylitol is metabolized independently of insulin and should be considered a low Glycaemic ingredient. Following ingestion of Xylitol, the blood-glucose and serum insulin responses are significantly lower than for glucose or sugar. However, if in any doubt please consult your health care practitioner

I am a diabetic, can I use Xylitol?

Xylitol is renowned as an excellent sugar-replacement for diabetics. The main goals of diabetes management are to control blood glucose, lipids and weight. Xylitol is a low Glycaemic sweetener (GI of just 7), and is slowly absorbed and metabolized independently of insulin. Xylitol does not cause a dramatic increase in blood-sugar levels or serum-insulin responses, and therefore many health practitioners suggest Xylitol as a sugar-free sweetener for their diabetic clients.

Xylitol also has low calories per gram (2.4) and has been suggested as a valuable aid in assisting diabetics with weight control.  A word of warning, however, – some Xylitol on the market is not 100% pure, and may be blended with other ingredients that may be higher in calories and carbohydrates, making them unsuitable for diabetics.  Nirvana Xylitol™, on the other hand, is pure and natural and has a GI of just 7.

As with any serious medical conditions, however, if in doubt please consult your health practitioner before incorporating Xylitol into your daily diet, and be sure to continually monitor your blood sugar levels.

I am following a low-carb diet. How many grams of carbs does Xylitol have?

You are in luck. Unlike sugar and other high-carbohydrate sweeteners, Xylitol contains a mere 4g of carbs per teaspoon, making it an ideal choice for followers of low-carb programs. So now you can enjoy a sweet, refreshing and natural sweetener, with 75% less carbohydrates and a GI of just 7!

I follow an anti-Candida meal plan, can I use Nirvana Xylitol™ ?

While sugars promote and feed the growth of oral yeast infections and thrush, it has been suggested in many studies that sugar-free Xylitol may actually have anti-fungal properties, thereby reducing both the incidence and severity of thrush. It is also renowned to have a pre-biotic effect on the digestive system, promoting the growth of good bacteria. As with all medical problems and for those following strict meal plans, however, please consult your health practitioner for more information.

I have an allergy to corn, does this mean I can't use Nirvana Xylitol™?

Not necessarily. Although our Xylitol is derived from non-GMO corncob, by the end of the extraction process there are no proteins left over to provide allergens that may be the cause of your corn-based reactions. Also, most people are actually allergic to corn kernels, as opposed to the cob, so there is a chance that our Xylitol may be suitable for your needs. As with all allergies, however, please consult your health practitioner for more information.

How can I use Xylitol in the kitchen?

Xylitol is extremely versatile. It can be used to make sugar-free cordials, lemonades and hot beverages; it can be sprinkled over cereals, porridge and fruits and can be mixed with natural yogurts to make delicious and healthy sweet treats. It can also be used as a sugar and artificial sweetener substitute in a wide range of recipes. Please see our Xylitol recipe page.

How much Xylitol should I use in my hot drinks?

One teaspoon of Nirvana Xylitol™ is approximately equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar. Some of our customers have suggested that the natural, refreshing and sweet taste of our product means they actually use slightly less than they would sugar, but with our various easy-measure packaging options, finding your preferred level of sweetness is now easier than ever. A perfect cup of tea or coffee sweetened with Nirvana Xylitol™ is a great start to any day!

Can I use Xylitol in cooking and baking?

Yes! One of the unique benefits of Nirvana Xylitol™ is that it behaves almost exactly like sugar when using it as a substitute in your favourite recipes. Now you can make delicious treats like cookies, home-made protein bars, muffins and custard with 40% less calories! Unlike some other sweeteners, Xylitol is heat stable and mixes and dissolves in a remarkably similar fashion to sugar.

There are only two instances where Xylitol is not suitable, however, with the first being breads or recipes that require yeast to make the dough rise, as Xylitol cannot be metabolised by yeast. The other exception is hard candy and other recipes that require sugar to be caramelised, as Xylitol does not caramelise like sugar. Also, some users have commented that Xylitol absorbs more liquid than sugar, so you may need to compensate with a little extra liquid in some recipes.

How much Xylitol should I use in my cooking and baking?

Generally speaking, one cup of Xylitol is approximately equal to one cup of sugar. Some customers have commented that they use slightly less Xylitol in certain recipes, but this is mostly up to individual tastes. We suggest that you use slightly less Xylitol than sugar, and then adjust to find your perfect level of sweetness.

With our many packaging and dispensing options, however, finding that perfect measure of Nirvana Xylitol™ is now easier than ever – and you’ll be cooking and baking delicious (and low calorie and low GI!) treats  like a master chef in no time!

Is it okay if my dog eats some of my treats containing Xylitol?

While Xylitol is completely safe for humans, just like chocolate, grapes or raisins; Xylitol is not intended to be ingested by our loving canine friends. Dogs metabolise some substances differently than humans; therefore if your dog consumes any product containing Xylitol, please consult your vet immediately.

Where is Nirvana Xylitol sourced from?

We prefer to use an environmentally sustainable source of Xylitol for our products.

Nirvana Xylitol is sourced from Non-GMO corn cobs from China. Corn derived Xylitol from the US is from genetically modified grown corn. Nirvana Xylitol uses 100% pure (nothing added), highest grade Xylitol from Corn cobs -an environmentally sustainable source (no de-forestation) and sourced from non GMO crop. Finnish Xylitol is derived from Birch trees. Xylitol is not manufactured in Australia.

Xylitol from Finland is produced from the bark of birch trees. We have included some information researched below that has contributed to this decision:

We noticed dramatic differences between the process used to extract xylan hemicellulose from the two sources. The corn cob source appears to be more environmentally friendly than birch bark source. Corn cobs, which we assume everyone agrees is a renewable resource each year, has the least environmental impact. The fields the corn is grown in generally do not use pesticides, and only use non-GMO corn. This would qualify the corn as organic. As the cob is usually thrown away, this also is helping to reduce perceived waste.

The birch bark source xylitol involves harvesting the bark from birch trees. This in effect is killing the tree, which forces the tree to be cut down. The birch tree is not a good renewable resource (even though it can be regrown) as it takes about 15 years before a tree can be harvested. As long as the trees are not being sprayed with any pesticides, the bark could be considered organic. It is unknown what is done with the actual tree trunk, but is assumed it is being used for other industrial purposes.

The actual extraction process is also different. The corn cob source uses a natural ion-exchange interaction of hydrogen, hydrochloric acid, and steam. The waste water from this process is used for mushroom farming adjacent to the factory itself, and the pulp is used for fuel. The birch bark source xylitol uses the same process, but uses sulfuric acid in place of hydrochloric acid. This creates a waste product which is not suitable to be reused in in any other manner.

The conclusion from the research is corn cob based xylitol appears to be a better product in all arenas. From the price of the product to the general impact on the environment from start to finish, it is better than birch source xylitol.

 

Is Nirvana Xylitol™ 100% pure xylitol?

Nirvana Xylitol’s C of A (certificate of analysis) indicates that our Xylitol is 100% Xylitol with no additives and is approved under our HACCP standards.

Where does Nirvana Xylitol™ come from?

Xylitol [pronounced zy-li-tol] is a substance that occurs naturally in fibrous fruits like plums and strawberries. It also occurs in vegetables like corncobs and mushrooms and hardwood trees like birch. Nirvana Xylitol™ is derived from non-GMO, non -allergenic corn cob (core) – an environmentally sustainable source of the natural ingredients. It is good for you and good for the environment!

Where was Xylitol discovered?

Xylitol was almost simultaneously discovered by Emil Fischer, a German chemist, in 1891, and by French chemist M. G. Bertrand. It was first really used in Finland during World War II, as a severe sugar shortage left them looking for a substitute. Following this, Xylitol became a popular naturally-derived sugar substitute in Germany, Switzerland, the Soviet Union and Japan. In 1963, the FDA in the USA approved Xylitol for use as a special dietary and nutritional additive, and it is now used in over 40 countries as a safe, healthy alternative to sugar and artificial sweeteners.

Does Nirvana Xylitol™ contain any additives that I should know about?

No. However you may want to know what Nirvana Xylitol™ does NOT contain. There is no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, 40% less calories than sugar, no fat, no protein, no artificial flavours, no artificial colourings and no preservatives.  It has a low GI of just 7.

Is Nirvana Xylitol™ safe for all the family?

Yes it is. Xylitol is not a drug, nor is it habit forming. In 1983 the JECFA, a joint, expert committee of WHO (World Health Organization) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation), confirmed that Xylitol is a safe sweetener for foods. It is approved for use in Australia by the FSANZ (Food Standards Australia New Zealand), and Xylitol has been the subject of over 1500 research studies.

Is Nirvana Xylitol™ GMO free?

Yes! Unlike some other brands on the market, you can be assured that Nirvana Xylitol™ is the highest quality Xylitol available, and it is derived for non-GMO corncob, an environmentally sustainable source.

I have heard that Xylitol prevents tooth decay. Is this true?

In studies over more than 30 years, dental researches have pointed to Xylitol as a key ingredient in helping to protect against tooth decay. In fact it is extensively used in many oral hygiene products. Many health professionals in Europe have been using Xylitol since the 1970’s – in particular the Finnish government is thought to have saved millions of dollars by using Xylitol in its health programs.

Are there any side effects to Xylitol use?

Xylitol is rapidly growing in popularity as users discover this great tasting sweetener that clinical studies have proven has no major or long-term side effects, even in doses up to 200g a day. In fact, a very positive side effect is the very effective role Xylitol plays in the prevention of tooth decay. Sudden, excessive usage of Xylitol has been known to cause mild gastrointestinal distress in some sensitive users, so as with everything in life, moderation is the key, especially when you first start using this delicious, natural sweetener. With continued use and as the body adapts to Xylitol, however, these symptoms usually tend to pass.

Can the body metabolise Xylitol?

Yes, but in a very different way to sugar as Xylitol’s unique five-carbon molecular structure, unlike six-carbon sugars, actually inhibits the ability of our bodies to fully metabolise it. The direct result is that Xylitol is metabolised by the body very slowly, meaning it does not require insulin and it releases energy steadily, rather than with highs and lows. It is for this reason that it has a low GI of just seven, making it an option for those looking to monitor their blood-sugar levels.

What is the carbohydrate content of Xylitol?

The carbohydrate content of our Xylitol per 100gms is a maximum 25gms. Xylitol contains 75% less carbohydrates compared to sugar

I have heard news of Xylitol and the possibility of dangerous chemical residue in the finished product- is this true in the case of Nirvana Xylitol™?

Our Xylitol is sourced from Non GMO corn cobs and for each batch we receive, a Certificate of Analysis (C of A) is provided detailing the results of the testing done against the product specification. The testing details the presence of certain minerals, heavy metals, yeasts, E Coli etc. and reports the levels present as compared to the accepted standard. We would be happy to provide a copy of our C of A to help allay any fears you may have. Our Xylitol is manufactured in a process that is similar to the manufacture of sugar – i.e. a heat process.